Geneva, March 18 - (RFE/RL) - The U.S. is optimistic that
negotiations on a global nuclear test ban can be completed this year.

U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher made the statement at
a press conference today following talks with representatives of the
five nuclear powers taking part in the Geneva Disarmament Conference.

Christopher said he had good discussions with China's Ambassador
Sha Zukang and Russian Ambassador Grigory Berdennikov.

He said they, as well as the ambassadors of France and Britain,
assured him of their countries commitment to concluding a
comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty.

Christopher said he found "a seriousness and determination" to
come to agreement on the language of the treaty and that this is
encouraging.

A senior U.S. official (unnamed) told reporters that the U.S. and
Russia still differ over the text of the scope of the treaty and that
the U.S. wants unambiguous language clearly banning all nuclear tests
anytime and anywhere.

The U.S. is also trying to persuade China to withdraw its
position that nuclear testing for peaceful purposes can be allowed.

The official says the U.S. does not believe it is possible to
distinguish between military and civil purposes of nuclear testing.

Christopher also met separately with representatives of
non-aligned countries, including India and Pakistan. He said he asked
them not to try and link the comprehensive test ban treaty to a
timetable for complete nuclear disarmament.